Exotic Soybean Germ Plasm Could Lead to Higher Yields
Expanding Value-Added Soybean Technologies Requires Improved Industry Cooperation
National Soybean Research Laboratory Adopts Comprehensive Mission Statement
Nutrition Researcher Issues Challenge to Food Industry
Researcher Points to Soybeans As Possible Weapon Against Cancer
The NSRL Bulletin is published three times a year by the National Soybean Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois, 170 National Soybean Research Center, 1101 W. Peabody Drive, Urbana, IL 61801; telephone (217)244-1706; e-mail nsrl@uiuc.edu; FAX (217)244-1707. James Sinclair, director; Robert J. Wynstra, editor; David Riecks, photographer; Lynn Hawkinson Smith, graphic designer.
Unless otherwise stated, articles may be reproduced or quoted if credit is given to the NSRL Bulletin. The National Soybean Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois is an affirmative action and equal opportunity institution.
Presented by
College of Agriculture University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign National Soybean Research Laboratory 170 National Soybean Research Center 1101 West Peabody Drive Urbana, IL 61801-4723
Exotic Soybean Germ Plasm Could Lead to Higher
Yields
Producers who have become used to steady increases in the yield of soybeans over the years could face a real shock in the future as the genetic base of the U.S. crop continues to narrow.
According to Randall Nelson, curator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Soybean Germplasm Collection housed at the University of Illinois, 95 percent of all the genes in the soybean varieties grown in the U.S. come from only 35 ancestral lines, mostly from northeast China.
He points out that the situation is made even worse by the uneven distribution of these ancestors. For varieties grown in Illinois, only three ancestors contribute more than 50 percent of the genes and only 10 ancestors account for 80 percent of the genes.
"This means that, in a worst case scenario, soybean breeders are crossing parents that are as closely related as brother and sister to produce the next generation of soybean varieties," Nelson says. "Even with very careful selection of parents, each generation of new varieties is more closely related to each other than the previous one. Eventually, if the system remains closed to new genes, all the genetic variability for yield will be exhausted."
To address this problem, Nelson started a germ plasm enhancement program aimed at evaluating and screening many of the 13,000 soybean accessions in the USDA collection. Those lines that showed a relatively high yield were chosen as parents to develop new experimental lines.
The experimental lines, their parents, and several modern commercial cultivars were tested for yield at seven locations in central Illinois during the last two years. Data from those field trials indicate that the exotic parents can contribute to high yield.
In one example, two varieties imported from China in the 1920s were used to develop experimental lines which showed improvement in yield over the parents. One of these experimental lines was crossed with BSR 101, a modern high-yielding variety developed at Iowa State University. Several experimental lines derived from that cross showed significantly greater yield than two of the modern commercial cultivars of similar maturity.
In a second example, researchers crossed a cultivar introduced from China in the 1920s with Lawrence and then crossed two experimental lines derived from this cross. The resulting line yields more than Lawrence, confirming that something good has been contributed by the exotic parent. It also has a yield similar to Probst, a new cultivar released from Purdue, indicating that the level of yield is comparable to the best currently available cultivars.
"The data demonstrate that it is possible to develop high-yielding lines from exotic varieties," Nelson says. "Next we need to determine if the new experimental lines are really genetically distinct from our current varieties."
To accomplish this goal, Jeff Thompson, a graduate research associate in Nelson's research group at the National Soybean Research Laboratory, has been using a molecular technique known as Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) that allows him to look at differences at the DNA level. Using a number of primers, he has examined more than 400 different DNA sites all across the soybean genome.
At each site, he determined if two soybean lines are alike or different. With the help of a computer, he combined all of the comparisons to determine the relatedness among all the lines.
"From that data, we can calculate the genetic relationships among all the ancestors of the modern U.S. varieties and all the parents used to develop our high-yielding experimental lines," Thompson says. "Based on this analysis, all the exotic varieties used as parents were more distantly related to the ancestors of our modern commercial cultivars than any of the ancestors were to each other. That means that we may have two completely distinct groups of parents."
Further work in progress is examining if the high-yielding experimental lines are as genetically distinct from the modern cultivars as the exotic cultivars are from the ancestral lines.
Especially intriguing are the results based on lines with the modern commercial cultivar BSR 101 and an experimental line derived from two old cultivars from China as parents. Some of the lines were chosen for testing because they had high yield and some because they had low yield. Eight distinct places in the genome were used for comparison of the lines.
"What we discovered was that all the lowest yielding lines had the same type of DNA pattern at these eight sites," Thompson says. "The intermediate yielding lines had a variety of different patterns, and the highest yielding lines had a pattern of DNA that was distinct from all the other lines and from the parents."
At this point, the question is still open whether this pattern is just coincidence or an indication of locations in the genome where specific genes that give yield advantage may reside. There appears, however, to be little question based on RAPD analysis that the experimental, high-yielding lines are genetically distinct from the ancestors of modern commercial cultivars.
"It appears that we are dealing with two distinct pools of yield genes," Thompson says. "By crossing between these pools, we have a much better chance of assembling more of the components that improve yield than by just crossing within one group or the other."
He is convinced that researchers can expand the genetic base of the soybean by incorporating some of these exotic plant introductions. Plans already are underway to release several experimental lines so that breeders can use them as parents to cross into the highest yielding modern cultivars.
"At this point, we have demonstrated that we can expand
the genetic base of our soybean varieties and simultaneously
improve yield," Nelson says. "This research has given
us some of the ways to begin doing that more effectively. The end
result is that we will be better able to utilize the available
genetic diversity to continue producing higher yielding varieties
far into the future."
Expanding Value-Added Soybean Technologies
Requires Improved Industry Cooperation
Improved cooperation among universities, producers, and processors holds the key for the entire soybean industry to benefit from the exciting opportunities presented by new value-added soybean technologies, according to S. Thad Jones, chief administrative officer of Central Soya Company, Inc.
"One of the simplest aspects of creating value is working together," he says. "Although it is simple to talk about, it is undoubtedly one of the biggest ingredients to successful and timely creation of value from soy products."
Jones shared these and other perspectives on value-added soybean technologies as part of his presentation of the third annual George A. Fluegel Memorial Lecture at the National Soybean Research Laboratory. The lecture held each fall at the NSRL features a prominent member of the soybean industry and is presented in recognition of the positive impact that former American Soybean Association President George A. Fluegel made on U.S. agriculture.
S. Thad Jones, this year's lecturer, has served as chief administrative officer of Central Soya since March 1995. He is responsible for all administrative functions of the corporation and for new business development, including product development, corporate acquisitions and divestment, strategic planning, and governmental affairs. Prior to assuming his current position, he served as vice president for business development for Central Soya and as president of Innovative Pork Concepts and Indiana Packers Corporation.
During his presentation, Jones emphasized the importance of improved cooperation between all the diverse parts of the U.S. soybean industry. Such efforts are especially needed in the marketing area so that new products are acceptable and profitable for everyone involved.
"It's only when we reach the point of profitability that a product really does add value on its own and becomes part of our permanent demand equation," he says. "All too often we fail as an industry to convert ideas, positive test results, and great publicity into a sustainable product demand."
He notes, however, that positive changes have taken place during the last decade with the emergence of the United Soybean Board, the state soybean associations, and other organizations, including the NSRL, as important clearing houses for information.
"The point is that we must actively work together to share our existing technologies, our successes, and our failures," Jones says. "This must be done in a reasonably organized manner in order to deliver new products to the marketplace in a timely and efficient manner."
Jones points out that the most exciting aspects of value-added soybean technologies are the many products and byproducts that result from the process of making oil and meal. Furthermore, he emphasizes that the importance of these new value-added technologies is independent of traditional government production programs.
"In fact, the government acreage restrictions and price supports may well be restricting the development of exciting opportunities in value-added soybean technologies," he says. "We must continue to adapt to changing circumstances and place our emphasis on promoting value-added exports from the United States."
According to Jones, the export mentality in the 1990s is finally changing to a focus on the importance of value-added products. He points to recent successes in increasing the export of value-added products, such as lecithin, protein products, isolates, and packaged oil.
"We must continue to fund new technologies and recognize that we can push forward products such as biodiesel, lubricant and plastic substitutes, and dust suppressants," Jones says. "We also must respond to the market pull for products such as isoflavones, pharmaceutical products, and cancer treatments."
He notes that continuation of the checkoff program is an integral part of the funding equation for developing new value-added products. He also calls for taking the lid off soybean production and letting the United States prove itself as the world's most efficient producer.
"The government should refocus on funding of research and promotion of value-added exports," Jones says. "This keeps the technology at home, the value-added byproducts at home, the jobs and the economic benefits at home, and still allows us to serve the world through our creation of value."
And, according to Jones, the future clearly points to a period of great opportunities for adding value to soybeans.
"The soybean industry stands on the precipice of
significant strides in value-added soybean technologies," he
says. "The truly exciting aspect is that there are so many
successful products yet to be developed for
commercialization."
National Soybean Research Laboratory Adopts
Comprehensive Mission Statement
Following the lead of the Vision Statement issued by the United Soybean Board, the National Soybean Research Laboratory has adopted a comprehensive Mission and Objectives Statement. This statement formalizes the goals and objectives that initially led to the creation of the NSRL and that have guided its development through the first three years.
A draft version of the NSRL Mission Statement was drawn up by an advisory sub-committee consisting of John Becherer, United Soybean Board; Roger Boerma, Center for Soybean Improvement at the University of Georgia; Don Holt, Office of Research at the University of Illinois; Ronald Moeller, National Oilseeds Processors Association; Roger Peterson, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council; Lyle Roberts, Illinois Soybean Association; David Schmidt, North Central Soybean Research Program; and Ward Shaw, North Carolina Soybean Producers Association.
A revised version of the Mission Statement was formally
approved during the meeting of the full NSRL External Advisory
Committee in September 1995. The following text of the Mission
Statement stands as an agreed-upon benchmark for measuring the
success of the NSRL program in serving the national soybean
industry during the coming years:
Mission Statement
The mission of the National Soybean Research Laboratory is to
help expand the scope, size, and profitability of the U.S.
soybean industry by providing strategic information and support
for effective decision-making.
Objectives
The Mission is accomplished by:
--Promoting effective communications and coordination among the diverse groups and organizations within the U.S. soybean industry,
--Fostering discussion of important issues impacting the U.S. soybean industry through development of seminars, lecture series, and workshops.
--Providing a forum for the development of interdisciplinary, interinstitutional programs and research projects that are goal oriented and market driven.
--Acquiring and providing access to databases that will assist soybean groups in their research and development, educational, and promotional activities.
--Serving as a resource in the development of sound strategic planning, management, and marketing strategies of benefit to the entire U.S. soybean industry.
--Providing soybean groups and organizations with access to
educational opportunities, such as training sessions, formal
courses, in-service education, and tours of the research
facility.
Nutrition Researcher Issues Challenge to Food
Industry
In response to a definitive study in the New England Journal of Medicine confirming the cholesterol-lowering effect of soy protein, a prominent University of Illinois scientist has urged the food industry to take action by introducing new soy products that fit easily into everyday diets.
"I challenge the food industry to move ahead," says John Erdman, Jr., director of the Division of Nutritional Sciences in the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. "The technology is available. It certainly is possible to gear up and have good-tasting, mainstream foods containing sufficient amounts of soy protein on store shelves within a matter of months."
Erdman, who wrote an accompanying editorial in the journal, notes that the new study reported that an average of 47 grams of soy protein per day can result in significant decreases in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides without affecting desirable high-density (HDL) cholesterol levels. The study results were based on a comprehensive review of 29 previously published studies, including two studies conducted by University of Illinois nutritionist Susan Potter.
Erdman recently expanded on the details of his call for the availability of more soy-based foods during a special presentation held in conjunction with the George A. Fluegel Memorial Lecture at the National Soybean Research Laboratory.
"Until this new analysis took place, nobody was noticing the fact that there was quite a bit of support in the published literature for the idea that soy protein itself was a dietary factor that could lower cholesterol," he says. "The effect goes beyond the impact of lower fat and cholesterol intake. It is a direct impact of soy protein."
The study also confirmed that the cholesterol lowering effect from soy protein was greatest for those study participants who had the highest initial cholesterol levels. The soy used in each of the individual studies was either isolated soy protein or a textured soy product, or both.
"This is very good news for those individuals concerned about coronary heart disease and elevated serum lipids," Erdman says. "What you want to do is impact the people with the highest risk."
Erdman emphasizes that it is safe to increase the amount of soy in the diet. The historical record shows decades of soy use as an exclusive source of protein for many infants and centuries of soy use as a dietary staple in many Asian countries.
The major problem, according to Erdman, is the lack of soy-based foods in the supermarket. Even tofu and soy milk, which are widely available, do not appeal to the tastes of many consumers in Western countries.
"The challenge we face in the industry is to make good-tasting soy products more available," he says. "We hope the publicity that is coming from the publication of this study will increase consumer demand for soy products. Everything so far indicates there is a great deal of consumer interest."
A number of products containing soy isolates have been developed by food researcher Barbara Klein for clinical studies conducted at the University of Illinois. Recipes include a wide array of food items, such as chocolate-cherry and blueberry muffins, pumpkin and zucchini breads, yeast breads, brownies, and fruit drinks.
Klein's work shows conclusively that new processing methods can produce soy products with mild flavors and aromas. The products take on the flavor of whatever food is mixed with the soy protein. Klein reports very positive feedback about the taste from the participants in a current study involving postmenopausal women with high cholesterol levels.
"Foods made with isolates and concentrates lack the beany
aftertaste associated with most traditional soyfoods,"
Erdman says. "Nevertheless, breakfast cereals and baked
items with large amounts of soy still are not readily available.
Hopefully that will change in the very near future."
Researcher Points to Soybeans As Possible Weapon
Against Cancer
Along with lowering cholesterol levels, soybeans recently have been linked with a possible role in inhibiting the growth of tumor cells. Much of the work in this area has centered on the isoflavone known as genistein, which is found in abundance in soybeans.
Important aspects of this research on genistein served as the focus of a recent presentation at the National Soybean Research Laboratory by Andreas Constantinou, surgical oncologist at the University of Illinois at Chicago. His presentation was jointly sponsored by the Functional Foods for Health Program at the University of Illinois.
The isoflavones genistein, daidzein, and their glucosides are found in defatted soybean meal, flakes, flour, and chips. One approach to studying these isoflavones has focused on determining how they might turn on the "switch" that stops tumor cells from cycling.
"Using this approach, results from our data suggest that
genistein, at low concentrations, is a promising preventive agent as an inducer of tumor cell differentiation," Constantinou says. "The data also suggests that at higher levels genistein may kill tumor cells. Therefore, genistein not only shows promise as a cancer preventive agent but also seems to show promise as a chemotherapeutic drug."
As a result, genistein is currently being evaluated both as a chemopreventive and a chemotherapeutic agent. It was chosen for study as a possible chemopreventive agent partly because the incidence of breast, colon, and prostate cancer in Asian populations consuming high soy diets is low when compared to western populations. In addition, earlier studies have indicated that soybean extracts inhibit mammary tumors in models of breast cancer and that purified genistein inhibits mammary tumors in neonatal rats.
In a recent study, Constantinou evaluated the effect of the isoflavones found in soybeans on the rate of induced mammary tumors in laboratory rats. The results indicated that the number of tumors per rat in the genistein-treated group was lower throughout the length of the study. Statistical analysis indicates that the data are significant with a 93 percent confidence limit.
Other studies by Constantinou are examining the
effects of genistein on the growth rates of two human breast
carcinoma cell lines. The results of these and other studies on
genistein may well play a major part in bringing the simple
soybean to the forefront of the ongoing scientific battle against
cancer.
During the September 1995 meeting, members of the External Advisory Committee revised and approved a mission statement and list of objectives for the NSRL. This document compliments efforts by the United Soybean Board and other organizations to clearly define the kinds of plans and programs that will allow the entire U.S. soybean industry to move ahead with a unified sense of purpose.
From its beginning, the NSRL has strived to serve the U.S. soybean industry by promoting effective communications through establishment of computer databases such as StratSoy and by providing facilities for educational and training efforts. This commitment to a national program represents a unique opportunity to provide substantive service to the soybean industry.
At the same time, the NSRL office remains responsible for day-to-day operations of a major university research laboratory. The facility houses researchers affiliated with the USDA, the USAID-funded International Soybean Program (INTSOY), and the Illinois State Natural History Survey, as well as soybean scientists from the University of Illinois. The collaborative spirit of the NSRL already has helped facilitate a number of important interdisciplinary and interinstitutional programs, both on and off campus.
The NSRL is developing a number of national and international
programs that serve as a vital compliment to its other dual role
as an educational-research facility. As the NSRL develops and
obtains an independent financial base, it can more aggressively
pursue additional educational and training opportunities that
will serve the best interests of the entire the U.S. soybean
industry.
James B. Sinclair
Interim Director
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